the public that there will be "important'' changes in Hong Kong and the UK's telephone numbering system.

Since January 1 all Hong Kong numbers were changed by the addition of a `2' prefix to the old seven-digit format, for example Hong Kong number (852) 888-2888 became (852) 2888-2888, Cable & Wireless spokesman Mr. John Instone said.

But in the last three months callers have been connected regardless of whether they dial the old or new number.

However, from April 1 callers to Hong Kong who dial the old seven-digit numbers will not be connected. They will hear a recorded message about the new numbers.

Callers to the UK, as of April 16, will also be required to dial an extra number.

A `1' will be added after the `44' country code. Examples of this included changing Central London's code from `44-71' to `44-171'; Birmingham's code from `44-21' to `44-121' and Southampton's code from `44-703' to `44-1703'.

Five cities in the UK will also adopt completely new area codes from April 16.

Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham, Leicester, and Bristol will have their area codes increased from six to seven digits by the addition of a `2' or `9', that is Leeds area code will become `1132'; Sheffield `1142'; Nottingham `1159'; Leicester `1162'; and Bristol `1179'.